Buying advice for gravel gears: Shifting plan

Carbon or aluminium frame, race or comfort geometry, treaded rims or classic wheels, 40 or 50 millimetre wide tyres - every gravel biker sets different priorities for their personal dream bike. However, it is also a fact that, first and foremost, the gear components must be right for the individual riding profile. The drivetrain not only determines how efficiently you can tackle steep climbs, but also influences control and reliability off-road. While classic road bike components shine on asphalt, special gravel groupsets offer features such as chain stabilisers (clutches) and special gear ratios for steep terrain.

The top dogs: Shimano, Sram and a bit of Campagnolo

In the world of gravel, two manufacturers dominate the scene, each pursuing quite different philosophies when it comes to the drive concept: Shimano and Sram. The traditional Italian brand Campagnolo occupies a high-priced niche.

1st Shimano GRX: Variability and tradition

With the GRX series, Shimano is focussing on maximum flexibility. A special feature is the adherence to 2x systems with front derailleur, which enables finer gear tuning. The quality of the GRX groupsets ranges from inexpensive entry-level to top-of-the-range. The Shimano range can be roughly divided into mechanical systems with ten, eleven or twelve sprockets, each with one or two chainrings. There are also the electronically shifting 12-speed Di2 drivetrains.

• Entry (RX400): Solid 10-speed technology for price-conscious tourers.
• Mid-range (RX600): The proven all-rounder.
• Performance (RX800/820 or RX815/825): High-end components, either mechanical or electronic (Di2).

2 Sram XPLR: Wireless innovation

Sram has significantly shaped the trend towards 1x drivetrains. The system impresses with its wireless AXS technology. Although the Americans still have mechanical drivetrains in their programme, they are hardly ever installed anymore. Accordingly, Sram groupsets are usually found in the price segment above 3000 euros. Special feature: The 1x13 components only fit frames with UDH derailleur hanger, which is why older bikes cannot be retrofitted. In addition: Parts from 12-speed mountain bike and road bike groupsets (Mullet) can be mixed with Sram, which means that 1x12 drivetrains with a very wide gear range are also possible.

• Apex: 1x12 technology with the option of MTB gear ratios, either mechanical or electronic
• Rival: Robust entry into the world of 13-way radio circuits.
• Force & Red: Lightweight components for racing, which now even offer 13 gears with the latest Red generation.

3. Campagnolo: The 13-speed pioneers

Campagnolo occupies a niche with its mechanical 1x13 systems Ekar and Ekar GT and currently offers the lightest gravel groupsets. The Italians' unique selling point is the wide range that can be achieved without a front derailleur, as the sprocket sets start at 9 teeth, which enables a high top speed despite simple chainrings. Added to this is the Super Record X as a gravel derivative of the classy electronic road bike groupset. Campagnolo groupsets tend to be expensive. The pure gravel groupsets in the Italian company's portfolio differ as follows:

• Ekar (Performance): This groupset is consistently trimmed for lightweight construction - the crank arms are made of carbon - and is aimed at riders focussing on maximum efficiency. Chainrings with 38 to 44 teeth are available for the standard Ekar
• Ekar GT (Adventure): The "Gran Turismo" version is significantly cheaper and designed for versatility. With its 10-48 cassette, it offers maximum mountain capability for bikepacking adventures. The blades are even available with just 36 teeth, which in combination with the 48-tooth sprocket results in an extremely short gear reduction for the steepest climbs.
• Record X and Super Record X (Performance): Brand new in the Italian programme is the wireless 13-speed Record X groupset, a significantly more affordable version of the high-priced Super Record X.

Spoilt for choice: single or double?

The decision in favour of a system depends on your riding profile. Single-speed systems are simpler and more intuitive in their shifting logic - an advantage in technical terrain. 2x systems offer a finer gradation.

• 1-fold systems: Fewer mechanical sources of error, intuitive operation and more freedom for wide tyres. Ideal for technical terrain.
• 2-fold systems: Smaller gear steps help you to always find the perfect cadence on long tarmac sections or in headwinds.

Market overview: Gravel drives in comparison

Conclusion: Which system is right for you?

There is no "one" best gear system; the choice depends heavily on your riding profile and, not least, your budget. What's more, if you opt for a complete bike rather than a customised setup, you will usually end up with Shimano or Sram anyway. Campagnolo is an outsider in this market.

• High-tech radio: If you are looking for a clean cockpit and simple shifting at the touch of a button, Sram AXS is the best choice in various price categories.
• Precision & lightweight construction: The Campagnolo gravel drivetrains of the Super Record X and Record X series are really classy, super light and come with modern electronics. Exclusive and expensive.
• Versatility & tours: For classic tours with a high proportion of tarmac and the desire for fine gear steps, the Shimano GRX 2x remains unbeaten. In general, the Shimano portfolio is the most versatile - 1x and 2x drivetrains, mechanical or electronic.
• Extreme bikepacking: The Campagnolo Ekar GT, with its combination of 36 t chainring and 48 t cassette, currently offers the best single-speed mountain transmission for heavily loaded bikes.